Removing Privileges From Preteens & Teenagers

Associating Responsibility

• As your child grows older and more mature, two things should happen simultaneously. First, the youngster should begin displaying responsible behavior to meet expectations and stay within limits. And second, as your kid exhibits responsibility, he should have the benefit of receiving privileges. The privileges might include using a cellphone, time using electronic equipment, spending time with friends and going places. As you give your children privileges, teach them that they are earning these nice perks with their responsible behavior, advises the Dr. Phil website. Consequently, if they choose to act irresponsibly, they may lose a privilege.

Choosing the Right Privilege

• For the consequence of a lost privilege to be effective with youngsters, you must choose a privilege that is important to your child, suggests licensed clinical professional counselor Megan Devine, with the Empowering Parents website. Taking away television from a child who doesn̵7;t watch much probably won̵7;t motivate him to follow house rules. However, if the same child can̵7;t wait to play games on the computer, removing computer privileges would be a more effective consequence to encourage compliance with the rules.

Explain the Consequence

• Sit with your child to explain the discipline system you are enacting within your household. Tell your child clearly about the rules and limits that you expect him to follow. Explain the consequences that will occur if your child opts not to follow the rules. By communicating your expectations and the connected consequences, your child can make an informed decision about acting responsibly or choosing to act irresponsibly, according to guidelines published by the Child Development Institute.

Staying Consistent

• A final key to an effective discipline plan is consistency, warns the American Academy of Pediatrics. Your preteen or teen may become frustrated and angry the first few times he loses a privilege, but remain firm, unemotional and consistent. Eventually, with your unwavering consistency, always removing the privilege as you promised you would, your youngster will realize that you intend to follow through every time. It̵7;s likely that your child will begin to act more responsibly because he realizes that he will lose a privilege and he doesn̵7;t want this to occur.